Benefits when separated but still living with ex DP

[PhilippeFlop]

Hi, DP and I have split up, it's been a long time coming really. We have two very young DCs (1&2) I am a SAHM, we live in DPs house that he owns. I cannot afford to move out until I am back working which won't be until the kids are eligible for free hours at nursery.

Does anyone know if I will be able to claim any benefits in this situation? All our finances are separate, no joint accounts, mortgages etc

Not sure, but I can't see how you'd be entitled to anything in this situation - how would you prove that you're separated if you're still living together?

Is there no way you can move out earlier? Is your ex paying maintenance?

It is possible. I did it when I split from my now ex dh (we owned the house together). You have to prove all your finances are separate and make sure you don't have any joint accounts / joint bills. You will need to make sure you have separate beds and separate living areas etc as much as possible. When I claimed I explained my situation and the job centre sent someone round to check and then I was able to receive tax credits etc as a single person - it was very obvious my dh was moving out, he had packed up boxes of stuff everywhere.

I doubt it!

You aren't actually separated. Is he going to charge you rent?

You could probably move into a rental if your ex could pay the deposit, first months rent, moving costs and be your guarantor as he is a homeowner. But depends whether he would do that for you.

When you move you would likely be entitled to housing benefit, child tax credits and income support. Unless your area has already transferred to Universal Credit.

Have you got any savings in your name?

Also he will need to pay you child maintenance. Do you know how much he earns?

It's not an unusual situation at all. As pp said you do have to demonstrate that you have entirely separate finances. The sticking point will be that clearly you are still financially supported by him as you are living there rent-free.

Presumably because you write DP not DH you aren't married?

We aren't married, all finances are seperate, the only bill that is in both our names is the council tax bill.

Our house is small and overcrowded as it is, one of us will have to sleep on the sofa, there's no other place to sleep.

I know roughly how much he earns and can find all tax returns etc for the last few years so I will have an accurate figure.

I have no savings and no money, what a shit situation